Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On the community development programme, the Minister said in her opening statement that €500,000 will be provided to promote responsible dog ownership. I will raise with the Minister something I have raised before, namely, the issue of persistent dog fouling on our streets and footpaths. It is a persistent and consistent problem and a disgusting problem for families and adults using the footpaths in many streets. Disappointingly, there are many streets in Ireland on which you would want wellingtons to go around, with the amount of dog fouling. That is particularly so when you have young children because they will not avoid it. We talk about active travel and people getting out into the fresh air, yet on footpaths in our streets and on paths in our parks, every small child comes home with dog foul on their footwear or clothes because of irresponsible behaviour by dog owners. This issue has not been properly addressed. In terms of the €500,000, will this aspect be addressed?

It needs to be taken up with the Minister for the environment in terms of increasing fines for people involved in this practice, as well as increasing enforcement. It is not good enough. We spend substantial amounts of public funds on opening walkways, opening and developing parks and investing in safe routes to school and town centres, yet a small cohort of irresponsible people make many of these no-go areas for buggies, small children and older people. I have seen it first hand outside the homes and on the doorsteps of older people's dwellings. It is disgraceful and disgusting.